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Ford Bets Big on Level 3 Autonomy With $30,000 UEV Platform Push
ZACKS· 2026-01-09 15:20
Core Insights - Ford Motor Company announced a significant upgrade to its BlueCruise highway driving system, introducing an eyes-off version set to launch in 2028 at a cost of $30,000 on its new Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform [1][4]. Group 1: Technology and Features - The upgraded BlueCruise system will provide Level 3 driver-assistance capabilities, allowing drivers to take their hands and eyes off the road on certain highways, utilizing lidar technology for support [2]. - The new UEV platform integrates infotainment, automated driving, audio, and connected networking into a compact unit, enhancing vehicle consistency and reliability over time [3]. - The UEV platform is designed to offer higher performance, lower production costs, and a smaller size, enabling the $30,000 truck to feature more powerful computing capabilities than current Ford models [4]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Ford is entering a competitive market for advanced driving automation, where other automakers like General Motors and Mercedes-Benz are also developing Level 3 systems, with GM's Cadillac Escalade IQ set to debut in 2028 at a price exceeding $125,000 [5][9]. - Ford's Level 2 BlueCruise system is currently available on models such as the Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning, with subscription pricing options [6]. Group 3: Future Developments - Ford plans to launch a new AI assistant through its Ford and Lincoln phone apps, with an in-vehicle experience expected to start in 2027, enhancing vehicle functionality [7]. - The overall strategy aims to advance vehicle autonomy, improve EV platforms, and incorporate AI-driven features, making vehicles more capable and affordable [8].
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) Conference Transcript
2025-11-18 15:02
Summary of Ford Motor Company Conference Call (November 18, 2025) Company Overview - **Company**: Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) - **Speaker**: Andrew Frick, President of Ford Blue and Model E Key Points Financial Performance and Guidance - Ford reported a strong underlying business with an EBIT guidance of **$8 billion to $8.5 billion** for the year before the Novelis fire incident, which is a **$1.5 billion to $2 billion** negative impact for Q4 [10][11] - The company managed to offset **$1 billion** of a **$2 billion** tariff headwind through market factors and pricing strategies [10][14] - The revised guidance for Q4 is **$6 billion to $6.5 billion** net of the Novelis impact [12] Tariffs and Regulatory Environment - Tariffs initially posed a significant challenge but were reduced to a **$2 billion** headwind for the year, with Ford well-positioned due to its U.S.-based manufacturing [14][18] - The company plans to incorporate tariff costs into its business model moving forward, treating them as a standard cost of doing business [19][23] - Regulatory changes are expected to provide more flexibility in production, allowing Ford to cater to natural consumer demand across various powertrains [26][29] Emissions and Electrification Strategy - Ford is adapting to changing emissions regulations, with expectations of less stringent caps under the current administration, which will allow for a broader range of vehicle offerings [29][30] - The company has invested in hybrid technology and is seeing a significant increase in hybrid vehicle sales, particularly with the F-150 [45] Ford Pro Business Segment - Ford Pro, the commercial vehicle segment, is a strategic advantage with a diverse customer base across large corporations, small businesses, and government sectors [32][33] - The company has invested over **$2 billion** in dealer infrastructure to support commercial customers, enhancing service capabilities and customer uptime [34][35] - Ford Pro Intelligence, a software offering, has led to higher customer loyalty and increased service revenue [37][38] New Product Developments - Ford is launching a **Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV)** platform aimed at producing affordable electric vehicles, with the first model expected to be a small electric pickup starting around **$30,000** [47][48] - The new manufacturing process will reduce parts and increase assembly line speed by **15%**, enhancing efficiency [49] Competitive Landscape and Market Position - Ford maintains a leading market share in the commercial vehicle sector, outselling competitors significantly [33] - The company is focused on maintaining its leadership in hybrid and electric vehicle segments while also expanding its service and software capabilities [39][40] Return to Formula 1 - Ford is excited about its return to Formula 1, which is expected to enhance brand visibility and attract top engineering talent [55][56] - The partnership with Red Bull Racing aims to leverage F1 technology for consumer vehicles, enhancing Ford's electrification efforts [56][57] Additional Insights - The company emphasizes a balanced approach to electrification, investing across multiple powertrains to meet diverse customer needs [45][51] - Ford's strategic partnerships, such as with ServiceTitan, aim to enhance fleet management solutions for commercial customers [40] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Ford Motor Company conference call, highlighting the company's financial outlook, strategic initiatives, and market positioning.